How to Keep Flowers Fresh

Roses for Valentine’s Day? Show them some love. The beauty of red roses is they say “I love you” without a word. The downside—their charm can be fleeting. Here’s how to make your blossoms bloom longer.

Feed your flowers. AquaPlus™, Floralife® and Chrysal™ come in packets that are usually included with a bouquet. Mix the solution using lukewarm water—fresh flowers absorb warm water faster. If you run out, make your own by mixing a teaspoon of bleach and a tablespoon of sugar in a gallon of water.

Before you put the flowers in a vase, remove foliage that would fall below the water line to prevent bacteria from growing.

Cut one to two inches off of the stems at a steep angle. Use a sharp knife rather than dull scissors, which can crush the vascular system of the stem. Don’t drop the stems in—this can bruise the cut ends when they hit the bottom of the vase.

Keep your flowers away from warm spots—they last longer if they stay cooler. Also, keep them away from the fruit bowl. Fruit gives off ethylene gas, which will make flowers deteriorate more quickly.

Check the water level in the vase daily. It’s best to change it every day, but don’t go longer than every other. Mist freshly cut flowers with water often to keep moisture in their petals.